2017 NFL draft prospects for Bills fans to watch in Alamo, Belk Bowl

Now that Christmas has passed, we’re getting to the real meat of the college bowl game schedule. In the build-up to the CFB playoff games, we’ll take you through some prospects to watch. The big games on Dec. 29 offer up a couple of potential big-bodied receiving threats and an intriguing safety.

Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech – Belk Bowl (5:30 p.m. ET kickoff)

The Belk Bowl is a showcase for a couple of tight ends; one of which is traditional, the other more in the Jimmy Graham mold. Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle is the traditional one. At 6-foot-6, 256 pounds, Sprinkle looks like the prototype inline tight end.

Sprinkle hasn’t seen the increase in production some expected, stepping up for the graduating Hunter Henry. His 33 receptions for 380 yards and four touchdowns is a little disappointing but understandable with how they employ him, using him to pass protect on a number of occasions per game.

Sprinkle shows flashes of being a dominant run blocker. As a receiver, he’s not dissimilar to former Razorback and current Bills tight end Chris Gragg, a linear athlete that can attack the seams effectively. Sprinkle would make a reliable secondary target for Tyrod Taylor.

For Virginia Tech, Bucky Hodges is more of a wide receiver masquerading as a tight end by designation. When he’s split out on the boundary, smaller cornerbacks don’t know what to do with him. He’s likely to draw flags due to sheer panic because of his large frame.

Hodges uses his frame in a savvy manner, showing an understanding of how to box out a defender and protect the ball from prying hands. The phrase ‘nightmare matchup’ is overused but Hodges comes into that category. Even if he’s just used primarily in the red zone early, he can be an asset to a team as a rookie.

Just don’t ask Bucky to block inline. As much as he loves to show his dominance over corners and safeties, he wilts when asked to take on linebackers and defensive ends.

Oklahoma State vs. Colorado – Valero Alamo Bowl (9 p.m. ET kickoff)

One of the best matchups of the bowl season is at the Alamo Bowl, where the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Oklahoma State’ sixth-ranked pass offense meets Colorado’s 13th-ranked pass defense. Colorado is also allowed just 48.3-percent of passes to be completed, the fourth best figure in FBS.

A big part of that success for the Buffs is safety Tedric Thompson. As a coverage defender, Thompson shows the key mix between athletic ability and instincts. Thompson has the range to cover a lot of ground quickly and has a good understanding of route concepts. Thompson has seven interceptions on the season and another 15 pass deflections.

One area of Thompson’s game that he needs to clean up is his angles to the football, especially after the catch. His instincts put him in the vicinity of many plays but he can be slightly off and run himself out of being able to make a significant impact.

Two other players to take notes of for Colorado are their starting cornerbacks; Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon. The 6-foot-3 Witherspoon leads the FBS in pass breakups with 22 on the season.

Like this article?

Sign up for the Bills Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

Success

Thanks for signing up.
You'll be waking up a little more awesome tomorrow.